Revealed: Top 10 Skyscrapers Under Construction In The GCC

The GCC is home to some of the highest buildings in the world, with the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, at 828 meters, ranking as the world’s tallest.

According to estimates, over 300 skyscrapers are further expected to be completed within the GCC by 2015, all over 150 metres tall, including a new tallest tower in the world.

Here’s a look at some of the massive structures currently under construction in the region.

1. Kingdom Tower

Location: Jeddah, Saudia Arabia

Height: Expected to be over 1000 metres

Developer: Kingdom Holding Company

Estimated date of completion: 2019

The Kingdom Tower, developed by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Company, is set to come up in the city of Jeddah.

It is anticipated to become the tallest tower in the world upon its expected completion date in 2019. The exact height is unknown but it’s expected to be over 1000 meters tall and is estimated to cost $1.23 billion to build, less than Burj Khalifa’s $1.5 billion cost.

Additionally, its foundations will be 60 meters deep to withstand the saltwater from the nearby ocean and strong winds while supporting the building’s Herculean structure.

2. 106 Tower

Location: Dubai, UAE

Height: 433 metres

Estimated date of completion: 2018

The 106 Tower will be built as residential tower with over 106 floors as per its name, in the popular Dubai Marina area overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

The main contractor is Al Qabadah Building Contracting and it is expected to be completed by 2018.

3. Diamond Tower

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Height: 432 metres

Estimated date of completion: 2017

This building has a striking ‘twisting’ design with a diamond shaped top and is planned to become the second tallest tower in Saudi Arabia when ready in 2017.

It will be located in Jeddah’s Corniche to be primarily used for residential purposes.

4. Marina 101

Location: Dubai, UAE

Height: 427 metres

Developer: Sheffield Holdings

Estimated date of completion: 2014

The Marina 101, developed by Sheffield Holdings, is set to become the tallest luxury hotel and serviced apartment buildings in the world, with its planned 427 metre height.

Its construction has been delayed several times since it began in 2006, but it is currently expected to be ready by the end of 2014.

5. Capital Market Authority Tower

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Height: 385 metres

Estimated date of completion: 2015

The 79-storey Central Market Authority Tower will be the centre-piece of the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with the aim of promoting the Saudi capital as a major regional business hub.

The tower’s angular façade isn’t just for aesthetic appeal as it features a high performance solar system, reducing the overall thermal loads placed on the building.

6. The Address the BLVD

Location: Dubai, UAE

Height: 370 metres

Developer: Emaar

Estimated Date of Completion: 2016

After the success of Emaar’s The Address hospitality brand, the developer is building a 72-storey skyscraper which will house a premium five star hotel and a number of serviced apartments to be completed in 2016.

It will stand as the second tallest building in the Downtown area after the Burj Khalifa, towering over the other two branches of the hotel chain within the area.

7. ADNOC Headquarters

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Height: 342 metres

Developer: ADNOC

Estimated date of completion: 2014

ADNOC’s future headquarters has been designed to become a landmark for Abu Dhabi’s skyline. The tower has a sleek and slender design and with its colossal height, overlooks the Arabian Gulf and the Emirates Palace Hotel.

It is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

8. Damac Heights

Location: Dubai, UAE

Height: 335 metres

Developer: Damac

Estimated date of completion: 2016

Formerly known as Ocean Heights 2, it is a residential tower to be built in Dubai Marina by property developer Damac.

The Dhs508 million development is being constructed by Dubai-based Arabtec, and will comprise one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as duplexes and penthouses.

9. Gate of Kuwait Tower

Location: Kuwait city, Kuwait

Height: 330 metres

Estimated date of completion: 2016

The 320 meter tall tower is planned to include the Kuwait Four Seasons Hotel, office space and high-end retail upon its completion in 2016, when it will also become one of the tallest buildings in the Gulf state.

10. Lamar Tower 1

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Height: 322 metres

Estimated date of completion:2016

The Lamar Tower 1 (part of a wider Lamar Towers development) is set to become Saudi Arabia’s tallest tower when completed in 2016 surpassing the recenty built National Commercial Bank.

Lamar means liquid gold in Arabic, and has been used to describe the reflection of the golden glass in the waters that it overlooks.